Man Utd vs Wolves – Analysis, Prediction, Team News
Saturday 13th May 2023
15:00 GMT
Old Trafford
As part of our weekend Premier League predictions, we take a look at Wolves’ trip to Old Trafford. Manchester United have scored just 8 goals in 10 games – can Wolves get a result? Free betting tips and more with our Man Utd vs Wolves prediction.
Premier League Form:
Leeds
West Ham
1-0 (A)
Brighton
1-0 (A)
Aston Villa
1-0 (H)
Spurs
2-2 (A)
Nottingham Forest
2-0 (A)
Wolves
Aston Villa
1-0 (H)
Brighton
6-0 (A)
Crystal Palace
2-0 (H)
Leicester
2-1 (A)
Brentford
2-0 (H)
Man Utd vs Wolves Preview
Man United come into this game under pressure. In recent weeks, Liverpool have closed the massive points gap in the race for the top four. United have lost their two recent away games – against Brighton and West Ham, both 1-0 defeats where they were outplayed – which has allowed the Merseyside club to close the deficit to one point (with United having played a game fewer). It’s unlikely that Spurs – five points back from Liverpool – will make the top four now. Brighton have a chance, but their stunning hammering by Everton was a blow, and the fixture list looks tricky. Therefore, it looks like two from three, between Newcastle, Man United, and Liverpool.
Shaw’s handball leading to Brighton’s penalty and De Gea’s calamitous mistake for Benrahma’s goal against West Ham could be decisive. United were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Lindelof handballed too, and West Ham had two other goals ruled out. Therefore, United are flagging at the season’s climax, as Erik Ten Hag has a thin squad and has overplayed his best players. It is likely a blessing in disguise now that Sevilla eliminated them from the Europa League.
With a Manchester derby to come in the FA Cup Final, United need to use the more rest they will get now to good effect. The good news is that they have picked up 39 points from 16 home games and only lost once. They have two more after this match (against Chelsea and Fulham and Bournemouth away), so if they win all three at Old Trafford, Liverpool cannot catch them.
Wolves make the trip to the North-West in jubilant spirits. They are now mathematically safe from relegation, having attained 40 points. Julen Loptegui’s side have won five of their last six home matches – including at the weekend against Aston Villa – which has confirmed their status as a Premier League team next season. Indeed, against Villa, an early Toti goal won them the game, despite Villa being the better side for large spells. Wolves played on the counter, as we expect them to do here.
In contrast to their home form, Wolves’ away form over the last six is desperate. They and four other sides have only picked up two points from the previous 18. Only Southampton are worse, having lost all six. Wolves have become a real Jekyll and Hyde team. United are strong at home, keeping clean sheets in their last five and attaining 13 points from 15; the signs are ominous for Wolves.
United are definitely the favourites here, though they have injury concerns. The reverse fixture finished 1-0 for United. Indeed, United have kept clean sheets in six of their last eight games against Wolves. This fixture tends to be low-scoring (as are United’s recent league games, with fewer than three scored in eight of their last nine games). Hence, a drab, low-scoring match with Wolves making things hard is a real possibility.
Team News
Injuries and Suspensions
Man Utd:
Might Not Play: Varane, Rashford
Will Not Play: Heaton, Martinez, Jones, McTominay, Van De Beek
Wolves:
Might Not Play:
Will Not Play: Kalajdzic, Chiquinho, B Traore
Man Utd vs Wolves Lineups (Predicted)
Man Utd (4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3): De Gea; Dalot, Shaw, Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka; Sabitzer, Casemiro; Sancho, Fernandes, Antony; Martial
Wolves (4-4-2 / 4-2-3-1): Sa; Toti, Kilman, Dawson, Semedo; Neto, Neves, Lemina, Nunes; Cunha, Costa
Man Utd vs Wolves Analysis
United Will Try To Attack Wolves Early
On a run of two consecutive defeats, United will be eager to come out and attack Wolves early. Star player Rashford is a massive injury doubt, so Sancho may come in on the left-hand side to fill in for him. Without Rashford’s goals, United have looked blunt at times this season. Indeed, Rashford has been on a lean streak recently, and United haven’t been scoring. Therefore, it will be vital that Sancho can use his ability to dribble in tight spaces to attack Semedo and try to make things happen in the box.
On the other side of the pitch, Antony can come infield and play cute little passes or shoot on goal on his left foot. The Brazilian’s end product has been poor, and he has missed several good chances in recent weeks, so he must have his shooting boots on. Antony, Sancho and Martial up front must all interchange and link up well, playing with speed to keep Wolves guessing. Furthermore, Fernandes must demonstrate his crossing and passing ability to create chances, which he is good at. Pellistri, Garnacho and the much-maligned Weghorst are also options, as is Rashford if he is passed fit.
Defensively, however, United must be careful – United are undoubtedly at their strongest breaking with pace on the counter-attack – they have not been an impressive possession side under Ten Hag. However, Wolves will likely sit in a low block. If Casemiro, Eriksen, Bruno and Sabitzer (whichever combination it is) cannot retain the ball in midfield or if moves break down in United’s attack, Wolves will be able to counter against the United defence. Therefore, Casemiro’s ability to intercept and tackle will be crucial, as will Shaw’s ability to snuff out danger and Wan-Bissaka’s one-on-one prowess against Neto.
Wolves’ Game Plan Will Be Low Block and Counters
As alluded to, Lopetegui’s side will likely show up at Old Trafford and play in a lower block, determined to compress and deny space and attack United on transitions. United don’t do well when they have to open up packed defences – hence, Wolves’ ability on counters could be crucial. Of course, Wolves are safe from relegation now and don’t have much to play for. Footballers tend to be professional and play with pride. However, without much riding on this game, we must wait and see how seriously Wolves take it. Lopetegui will demand they put in a shift, but subconsciously it’s sometimes easy to slack off and lose that split-second.
However, assuming Wolves play to their potential, we anticipate Kilman and Dawson trying to be rocks in defence, getting their bodies in the way of United shots and crosses with headers, interceptions and blocks. United will be going full throttle in this game, so it is essential that the defence remains resolute and Sa makes saves when called into action in goal. In midfield, Neves, Lemina and Nunes offer energy and technical ability – they must try to press and close off spaces for United to play in. If they can win the ball or play around United’s press, they can find space to play the ball into the channels for Neto and the full-backs to chase.
The midfielders will also get forward, as Neves is a threat from shots outside the box and free-kicks and has had joy against Man United before. Indeed, crosses, set pieces and being physical will be a big part of Wolves’ game plan – assuming they go with two men up top, they have the powerful Costa and Cunha to hit from crosses and long balls. Hence, we anticipate Wolves trying to bully United and transition on them. They can also bring on speedy, tricky attackers like Podence, Adama Traore, Sarabia and Hwang.
Our Prediction
United have been excellent at Old Trafford this season, and they’re much better there than they are outside of its confines. Their two recent losses were away from home, so coming into this game against a Wolves side without much to play for, United will likely control most of the game. Rashford’s fitness is a massive factor to consider when making this prediction – with him, United have more cutting edge; without him, they’re less likely to score.
Also to be considered is that Wolves often give United a game. We have seen many matches between the sides since Wolves were promoted several years ago. It tends to be a tight game, with Wolves playing pretty well. Yes, United won the reverse fixture thanks to Rashford’s dribble and finish, but again it was close.
Therefore, we don’t think United will have it all their own way (could be famous last words, but we are putting our neck on the line). With United running out of gas as the season ends and Wolves being free from pressure, we think this might be a close game where United just get over the line. We were tempted to go with 1-0 due to low-scoring previous affairs but will predict 2-1 instead.
Man Utd 2-1 Wolves
Man Utd vs Wolves Betting Tip – Man Utd Odds:
2/5
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